Southwest Florida Goodwill MicroEnterprise Program

Finding a job you love can be difficult-- so why not be your own boss instead? Or have you always wanted to own your own business? Goodwill's MicroEnterprise program provides aspiring small business owners with the skills they need to succeed as entrepreneurs and become more independent.

What is a Microenterprise?

Microenterprises are the backbone of our economy. A microenterprise is any type of small business that has fewer than five employees and requires $35,000 or less to start-up, generally much less.

Did you know:

Microenterprises represent 87% of all businesses in the United States.
There are more than 24 million microenterprises in our country.
One out of every six private sector employees in our country works for a microenterprise.

Who is eligible?

Our MicroEnterprise program is designed to help individuals with low to moderate income levels and other disadvantages to start or stabilize their own businesses. If you have a great idea for a new business, the Goodwill SWFL MicroEnterprise Institute is available to aspiring small business owners who live in the Southwest Florida area. An administrative fee may apply depending upon your income level. This pays for your course materials-- but the rewards you reap will give you far more value!

What are the classes like?

Classes typically meet 6 times, usually twice a week in the evenings. In the Goodwill MicroEnterprise program, you will work with an instructor as well as a small business mentor who helps guide you through planning your business and shares their personal experiences. These classes will assist you in developing a feasibility plan that focuses on cash flow-- the first and most critical step in creating a business plan. A strong business plan will help you not only to run your business, but also to apply for financial assistance. After completion of the class, participants are invited to apply for a small character based micro-loan from Goodwill and our lending partners.